"There is no input from the artists themselves or from supporters who may defend their right to freedom of expression."
July 17, 2025
Dear Toronto Star and Canadian Press editorial newsrooms,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my concern about your recent article covering the campaign by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) to bar Irish rap group Kneecap and British punk duo Bob Vylan from entering Canada.
The article exclusively promotes the perspective of CIJA, U.S. government officials, and certain Canadian politicians, without including any comment from civil liberties groups, legal analysts, artists, concert organizers, or others who oppose this campaign. There is no input from the artists themselves or from supporters who may defend their right to freedom of expression. This is a clear case of single viewpoint reporting, which violates core principles of journalistic ethics as outlined by the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ).
I urge your newsroom to correct this imbalance. At a minimum, the article should be updated to include perspectives from organizations and individuals who oppose this campaign and support the rights of these artists to perform in Canada. Doing so would reflect fairness and accuracy.
Sincerely,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East